2 answers
Jazmin
Student
White Plains, New York
2
Questions
Updated
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What is the best course of plan to get into the FBI?
I am going to University at Buffalo for my bachelor’s in Criminology. I just want to make sure I am not missing any essential things i need to be aware of. I am not sure what exactly in the FBI I want to be but the BAU interests me. I appreciate any advice. Thank you! #spring25
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2665
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jazmin !
It's so exciting to know that you will be attending the University of Buffalo ! Congratulations !
Thanks for providing enough information so that I can advise you about the FBI career you have chosen. You will need a lot of information about this wonderful possible career as a Behavioral Analysist ! To obtain the best advice, thinking about exactly what you want as your college Major would be very important to prepare you for the exact position.
Since your college major is going to prepare you for certain positions, let's start with the Criminology Major. This major directly prepares you to be a Police Officer or a Corrections Officer. You can obtain a Bachelors Degree which is four years. You would go to the Police Academy after college and then become either a police officer or a corrections officer at a prison. Once you have sufficient experience working as either, you can then apply to the FBI for a department or position they feel you are qualified for. After you work in any dept. for three years, then you can apply to the BAU.
To become a Behavioral Analyst and work specifically for the Behavioral Analyst Unit at the FBI. you will need to become a Psychologist obtaining a Master Degree which should be a minimum of 6 years. A Major in Psychology would be crucial for being qualified for this position. You'd basically be doing lots of research and analysis which would enable other agents to investigate crime. The BAU provides threat assessments and management support to law enforcement and community stakeholders to help prevent targeted violence. Before you can be in the BAU, you have to apply to be a general special agent for the FBI and work in that position for three years before you can apply to work in the BAU. There really isn't any degree subject required, but to prepare you for this, I would definitely suggest a degree in Psychology and the academic experience that it would offer.
I am sure that your academic counselor at the University could advise you further. The more looking into the various FBI departments you do, the better it may help you decide exactly which department you'd want to work in and gear your Major accordingly. Also visit the on campus Career Center for information, too.
I hope this help and I wish you all the best !
It's so exciting to know that you will be attending the University of Buffalo ! Congratulations !
Thanks for providing enough information so that I can advise you about the FBI career you have chosen. You will need a lot of information about this wonderful possible career as a Behavioral Analysist ! To obtain the best advice, thinking about exactly what you want as your college Major would be very important to prepare you for the exact position.
Since your college major is going to prepare you for certain positions, let's start with the Criminology Major. This major directly prepares you to be a Police Officer or a Corrections Officer. You can obtain a Bachelors Degree which is four years. You would go to the Police Academy after college and then become either a police officer or a corrections officer at a prison. Once you have sufficient experience working as either, you can then apply to the FBI for a department or position they feel you are qualified for. After you work in any dept. for three years, then you can apply to the BAU.
To become a Behavioral Analyst and work specifically for the Behavioral Analyst Unit at the FBI. you will need to become a Psychologist obtaining a Master Degree which should be a minimum of 6 years. A Major in Psychology would be crucial for being qualified for this position. You'd basically be doing lots of research and analysis which would enable other agents to investigate crime. The BAU provides threat assessments and management support to law enforcement and community stakeholders to help prevent targeted violence. Before you can be in the BAU, you have to apply to be a general special agent for the FBI and work in that position for three years before you can apply to work in the BAU. There really isn't any degree subject required, but to prepare you for this, I would definitely suggest a degree in Psychology and the academic experience that it would offer.
I am sure that your academic counselor at the University could advise you further. The more looking into the various FBI departments you do, the better it may help you decide exactly which department you'd want to work in and gear your Major accordingly. Also visit the on campus Career Center for information, too.
I hope this help and I wish you all the best !
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1024
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Jazmin!
Good question! You are already headed in the right direction by obtaining a bachelor's degree in criminology if your dream is to work for the FBI, particularly in a specialist division like the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). This is a good strategy to help you stay on track:
1. Put Academics First: Throughout your undergraduate years, keep your GPA high. Although degrees in criminology, psychology, criminal justice, or a similar discipline are not required by the FBI, they are certainly necessary for positions like behavioral analysis or profiling.
2. Gain Experience That Is Relevant: Seek internships with government organizations, criminal justice nonprofits, or local law enforcement. Experience in the real world is important. Other worthwhile efforts include volunteer work, criminal behavior or psychology study, or even positions in crisis centers or victim advocacy.
3. Acquire Professional Experience Post-Graduation: Two to three years of full-time professional work experience are required for the majority of FBI Special Agent positions. This could be in the military, law enforcement, counseling, psychology, or other similar professions. Before applying to the FBI, some individuals have experience in investigative positions or work for state or local law enforcement.
4. Explore Higher Education: Although a master's or doctoral degree is not necessary, many agents in specialist units, such as the BAU, hold advanced degrees in criminology, psychology, or forensic psychology. A doctorate degree can be a great advantage if behavioral analysis is your interest.
5. Develop Physical and Mental Readiness: FBI agents need to pass a demanding psychiatric assessment, physical fitness test, and background check. It's important to keep a clean record and continue to be physically active.
6. Apply for Programs at the FBI:For college students or new graduates, check out the FBI Honors Internship Program—it's a recognized and competitive stepping stone. Keep abreast of criteria and positions by visiting fbijobs.gov.
7. Explore FBI Career Paths: After years of service, agents usually shift into the BAU, which is very competitive. Consider other FBI positions that might lead to that path, such as those in intelligence, cybercrime, violent crimes, or counterterrorism.
You are obviously ambitious and progressive. Continue your education, remain active, and seize every chance to obtain practical experience. You're off to a great start; keep it up!
Best wishes!
Good question! You are already headed in the right direction by obtaining a bachelor's degree in criminology if your dream is to work for the FBI, particularly in a specialist division like the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). This is a good strategy to help you stay on track:
1. Put Academics First: Throughout your undergraduate years, keep your GPA high. Although degrees in criminology, psychology, criminal justice, or a similar discipline are not required by the FBI, they are certainly necessary for positions like behavioral analysis or profiling.
2. Gain Experience That Is Relevant: Seek internships with government organizations, criminal justice nonprofits, or local law enforcement. Experience in the real world is important. Other worthwhile efforts include volunteer work, criminal behavior or psychology study, or even positions in crisis centers or victim advocacy.
3. Acquire Professional Experience Post-Graduation: Two to three years of full-time professional work experience are required for the majority of FBI Special Agent positions. This could be in the military, law enforcement, counseling, psychology, or other similar professions. Before applying to the FBI, some individuals have experience in investigative positions or work for state or local law enforcement.
4. Explore Higher Education: Although a master's or doctoral degree is not necessary, many agents in specialist units, such as the BAU, hold advanced degrees in criminology, psychology, or forensic psychology. A doctorate degree can be a great advantage if behavioral analysis is your interest.
5. Develop Physical and Mental Readiness: FBI agents need to pass a demanding psychiatric assessment, physical fitness test, and background check. It's important to keep a clean record and continue to be physically active.
6. Apply for Programs at the FBI:For college students or new graduates, check out the FBI Honors Internship Program—it's a recognized and competitive stepping stone. Keep abreast of criteria and positions by visiting fbijobs.gov.
7. Explore FBI Career Paths: After years of service, agents usually shift into the BAU, which is very competitive. Consider other FBI positions that might lead to that path, such as those in intelligence, cybercrime, violent crimes, or counterterrorism.
You are obviously ambitious and progressive. Continue your education, remain active, and seize every chance to obtain practical experience. You're off to a great start; keep it up!
Best wishes!